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Cruel Goddess #2
Daughter of Secrets and Sorcery
Secrets never last forever ... not when they control the fate of worlds.
A wife, caged …
Maria thought she was free of Elex’s vile brother, Cane, but now she’s his prisoner, alone in a foreign court that is nothing like her homeland. While she endures Cane’s torment and longs for freedom, Elex roams the streets of Oshala, plotting Maria’s rescue and his revenge. But as Elex and his supporters gear up for action, an unexpected threat changes everything.
A sorceress, cornered …
Ava’s escaped to the house of her youth, a magical fortress the dangerous Gods can’t penetrate. She convinces Billy to teach her magic, but Kush disagrees with many of Billy’s lessons about the Atlas Web and the Gods’ motives. Kush is determined that his father’s goals are good, that his work is important, and Ava’s stuck in the middle, striving to keep the peace between the two men she desperately needs.
A daughter, sacrificed …
Sophie’s worth is in nothing but marriage, and her sights are firmly set on Hale, the leader of Alter Blade; she must make him hers to escape her gilded cage. Unfortunately, Hale has no plans to shackle himself to anyone, especially not to a woman who only days ago pretended to be besotted with his younger brother. He has more important matters to attend, like unpicking his dead uncle’s affairs, but he’s not prepared for Sophie’s sharp wit and insults when he’d expected pouts and simpers, and he can’t seem to erase the blasted women from his mind.
As Hale and Sophie grow closer, the domain of the Goddess rumbles to life. Sophie can’t shake the sickening feeling that the Goddess will ring the Toll Bells and claim her due, and if she does, for Sophie, it spells death.
A wife, caged …
Maria thought she was free of Elex’s vile brother, Cane, but now she’s his prisoner, alone in a foreign court that is nothing like her homeland. While she endures Cane’s torment and longs for freedom, Elex roams the streets of Oshala, plotting Maria’s rescue and his revenge. But as Elex and his supporters gear up for action, an unexpected threat changes everything.
A sorceress, cornered …
Ava’s escaped to the house of her youth, a magical fortress the dangerous Gods can’t penetrate. She convinces Billy to teach her magic, but Kush disagrees with many of Billy’s lessons about the Atlas Web and the Gods’ motives. Kush is determined that his father’s goals are good, that his work is important, and Ava’s stuck in the middle, striving to keep the peace between the two men she desperately needs.
A daughter, sacrificed …
Sophie’s worth is in nothing but marriage, and her sights are firmly set on Hale, the leader of Alter Blade; she must make him hers to escape her gilded cage. Unfortunately, Hale has no plans to shackle himself to anyone, especially not to a woman who only days ago pretended to be besotted with his younger brother. He has more important matters to attend, like unpicking his dead uncle’s affairs, but he’s not prepared for Sophie’s sharp wit and insults when he’d expected pouts and simpers, and he can’t seem to erase the blasted women from his mind.
As Hale and Sophie grow closer, the domain of the Goddess rumbles to life. Sophie can’t shake the sickening feeling that the Goddess will ring the Toll Bells and claim her due, and if she does, for Sophie, it spells death.
505 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2025
8 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
H.R. Moore
19 books160 followersHR Moore writes romantic fantasy, romantasy, fantasy romance, and paranormal romance.
All HR's books contain strong women, high stakes, plot twists, adventure, found family and plenty of romance, with charaters willing to burn down the current order to change things for the better.
She resides in the UK, loves audiobooks, and lives for book club.
All HR's books contain strong women, high stakes, plot twists, adventure, found family and plenty of romance, with charaters willing to burn down the current order to change things for the better.
She resides in the UK, loves audiobooks, and lives for book club.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 3, 2025
4.4/5
It takes a bit more for a story to be a full 5 stars for me, (also, am trying to be as objective as possible).
This book is for more advanced Fantasy readers. However, it IS well edited, so if you're clever enough, you can give it a go.
This book took a while to read. I was kind of savouring it, because I really loved the first book, and therefore, wanted to prolong this one as well.
The book READS SLOW, because it is SMART and INTELLIGENT and it REQUIRES you to THINK. (This is an opinion, take is as a FACT).
-> Multiple POVs
-> Original story
-> Well written (intelligent)
-> Loved the writing stylistically
-> A bit heavy emotionally (seems I like those type of books)
-> Found family
-> Trigger Warnings:
a) Women being used for the deed
b) 1 FMC being held hostage
c) Power politics (murder for power)
The story doesn't read fluently, however, that's a non-issue, because of the story being cut into various chapters, and not one continuous whole, the characters being quite original, as well as the writing trying hard to be intellectual as well (which I like and appreciate).
I kind of didn't like that the only Magic happening was in Ava's story. However, what was good, was that the magic does other things than being just used for battle. It's a complex system.
I liked the introduction of more characters in Maria's story.
The cliff-hanger endings were an absolute delight!
I'm wondering how many books are going to be written in this series???
It takes a bit more for a story to be a full 5 stars for me, (also, am trying to be as objective as possible).
This book is for more advanced Fantasy readers. However, it IS well edited, so if you're clever enough, you can give it a go.
This book took a while to read. I was kind of savouring it, because I really loved the first book, and therefore, wanted to prolong this one as well.
The book READS SLOW, because it is SMART and INTELLIGENT and it REQUIRES you to THINK. (This is an opinion, take is as a FACT).
-> Multiple POVs
-> Original story
-> Well written (intelligent)
-> Loved the writing stylistically
-> A bit heavy emotionally (seems I like those type of books)
-> Found family
-> Trigger Warnings:
a) Women being used for the deed
b) 1 FMC being held hostage
c) Power politics (murder for power)
The story doesn't read fluently, however, that's a non-issue, because of the story being cut into various chapters, and not one continuous whole, the characters being quite original, as well as the writing trying hard to be intellectual as well (which I like and appreciate).
I kind of didn't like that the only Magic happening was in Ava's story. However, what was good, was that the magic does other things than being just used for battle. It's a complex system.
I liked the introduction of more characters in Maria's story.
The cliff-hanger endings were an absolute delight!
I'm wondering how many books are going to be written in this series???
March 3, 2025
An intriguing sequel to Bride of Stars and Sacrifice (fka Celestl). The addition of other characters POVs and narratives in this sequel was excellent. Getting into the inner thoughts of these characters added depth to the storyline. I am obsessed with Sophie and Hale they were by far my favorite relationship of all the ones explored. just as with the first book, I really enjoy the concept of the Celestl world overall with the Blades and the Claws and the struggle for power. However, I am still struggling to see how the two main storylines/worlds merge together. I have my ideas and am looking forward to book 3.
Highlights:
✨Enemies to Lovers
✨Multiple POV & Love Stories
✨Portal Magic
✨Meddling Gods
✨Unique World
Favorite Quotes: “But with great power comes great potential to [eff] everything up,’—‘and just because you can do something, doesn’t mean you should.”
“Darling, please don’t underestimate how selfish I can be.”
Thank you to the author for this advanced copy. My opinions are my own.
Highlights:
✨Enemies to Lovers
✨Multiple POV & Love Stories
✨Portal Magic
✨Meddling Gods
✨Unique World
Favorite Quotes: “But with great power comes great potential to [eff] everything up,’—‘and just because you can do something, doesn’t mean you should.”
“Darling, please don’t underestimate how selfish I can be.”
Thank you to the author for this advanced copy. My opinions are my own.
March 4, 2025
This was an emotional journey with plenty of shocking twists and betrayals. Carrying on straight from book 1 Maria and Elix try to navigate Cane's rule and survive his dangerous mind games. Ava continues to understand her heritage and gifts, and works with Billy and Kush as they uncover more secrets. I loved having Hale and Sophie's new pov, I enjoyed their bickering and tension, and seeing their feelings develop in between their own plotting.
This is packed full of political scheming, backstabbing, rebellion, revenge and power plays.
The final chapters were full of surprises and high stakes, and the story was gripping start to finish. Looking forward to the next book!
This is packed full of political scheming, backstabbing, rebellion, revenge and power plays.
The final chapters were full of surprises and high stakes, and the story was gripping start to finish. Looking forward to the next book!
March 6, 2025
Daughter of Secrets and Sorcery
Cruel Goddess 2
di @hr_moore che ringrazio per la collaborazione
"Take what you give. Time is not a constant. Balance is binary"
🌍 Multiple fantasy worlds
👑 Political marriage pacts
🩶 Morally Gray charcters
⚔️ Parallel storylines
🇮🇹
Questo secondo volume circa riprende da dove avevamo concluso il primo capitolo della saga. Elemento più originale è sicuramente il world-building super originale, anche se con i nuovi elementi può scombussolare.
Seguiamo per tutto il libro 3 storyline completamente parallele, ma destinate ad incontrarsi nel terzo volume della saga.
Partiamo subito con i miei preferiti Maria ed Elex, che tentano di tornare l'uno dall'altra mentre cercano anche di riprendere il governo del regno. I POV di Elex sono davvero pochissimi ma lì ho molto apprezzati mentre il mio POV preferito in assoluto è proprio Maria, e suoi capitoli sono quelli che ho trovato più dinamici e coinvolgenti.
Ava è partita molto bene ma andando avanti con la lettura il suo POV è diventato più monotono, sebbene ci forniva diverse informazioni importanti soprattutto su world-building e sistema magico, è risultato più lento. In particolare il suo rapporto con Kush è risultato un po' bloccato, che non andava nè avanti nè indietro.
Sophia invece mi ha conquistata capitolo dopo capitolo, se all'inizio non mi faceva impazzire, mi sono affezionata alla sua storia andando avanti con la lettura.
I fili narrativi non sono nello stesso luogo nè nello stesso momento ma per quanto riguarda il riferimento temporale è (per fortuna) scritto all'inizio di ogni capitolo.
Sotto il punto di vista romance alcune coppie si sono formate nello scorso volume e le vediamo trovare un loro equilibrio mentre un'altra si deve formare (e mi sono piaciuti un sacco).
Personalmente non apprezzo le storyline completamente parallele e ammetto di attendere il momento in cui questi personaggi si incroceranno.
Ci sono state parti più scorrevoli di altre, e momenti che sono riusciti a tenermi attaccata alle pagine mentre altri sono risultati decisamente più lenti.
Purtroppo credo che questo libro soffra della sindrome del secondo libro e semplicemente mi è piaciuto meno del primo volume, anche se sono curiosa di scoprire come si evolverà la storia
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🇬🇧
This second volume or so picks up where the first chapter of the saga left off. The most original element is definitely the super original world-building, even if with the new elements it can get messy.
We follow 3 completely parallel storylines throughout the book, but destined to meet in the third volume of the saga.
Let's start with my favourites Maria and Elex, who attempt to return to each other while also trying to retake the government of the kingdom. Elex's POVs are very few but I really enjoyed them while my absolute favourite POV is Maria herself, her chapters are the ones I found most dynamic and engaging.
Ava started off very well but as the reading went on her POV became more monotonous, although it provided us with a lot of important information especially about world-building and the magic system, it was slower. In particular her relationship with Kush felt a bit stuck, going neither forward nor backward.
Sophia on the other hand won me over chapter after chapter, if at first I wasn't crazy about her, I grew fond of her story as I went on reading.
The narrative storyline are neither in the same place nor at the same time, but the time reference is (thankfully) written at the beginning of each chapter.
From the romance point of view some couples have formed in the last volume and we see them finding their balance while another one has to form (and I liked them a lot).
Personally, I don't like completely parallel storylines and I admit to waiting for the moment when these characters will cross paths.
There were parts that flowed better than others, and moments that managed to keep me attached to the pages while others felt decidedly slower.
Unfortunately I think this book suffers from second book syndrome and I simply enjoyed it less than the first volume, although I am curious to see how the story will evolve
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Cruel Goddess 2
di @hr_moore che ringrazio per la collaborazione
"Take what you give. Time is not a constant. Balance is binary"
🌍 Multiple fantasy worlds
👑 Political marriage pacts
🩶 Morally Gray charcters
⚔️ Parallel storylines
🇮🇹
Questo secondo volume circa riprende da dove avevamo concluso il primo capitolo della saga. Elemento più originale è sicuramente il world-building super originale, anche se con i nuovi elementi può scombussolare.
Seguiamo per tutto il libro 3 storyline completamente parallele, ma destinate ad incontrarsi nel terzo volume della saga.
Partiamo subito con i miei preferiti Maria ed Elex, che tentano di tornare l'uno dall'altra mentre cercano anche di riprendere il governo del regno. I POV di Elex sono davvero pochissimi ma lì ho molto apprezzati mentre il mio POV preferito in assoluto è proprio Maria, e suoi capitoli sono quelli che ho trovato più dinamici e coinvolgenti.
Ava è partita molto bene ma andando avanti con la lettura il suo POV è diventato più monotono, sebbene ci forniva diverse informazioni importanti soprattutto su world-building e sistema magico, è risultato più lento. In particolare il suo rapporto con Kush è risultato un po' bloccato, che non andava nè avanti nè indietro.
Sophia invece mi ha conquistata capitolo dopo capitolo, se all'inizio non mi faceva impazzire, mi sono affezionata alla sua storia andando avanti con la lettura.
I fili narrativi non sono nello stesso luogo nè nello stesso momento ma per quanto riguarda il riferimento temporale è (per fortuna) scritto all'inizio di ogni capitolo.
Sotto il punto di vista romance alcune coppie si sono formate nello scorso volume e le vediamo trovare un loro equilibrio mentre un'altra si deve formare (e mi sono piaciuti un sacco).
Personalmente non apprezzo le storyline completamente parallele e ammetto di attendere il momento in cui questi personaggi si incroceranno.
Ci sono state parti più scorrevoli di altre, e momenti che sono riusciti a tenermi attaccata alle pagine mentre altri sono risultati decisamente più lenti.
Purtroppo credo che questo libro soffra della sindrome del secondo libro e semplicemente mi è piaciuto meno del primo volume, anche se sono curiosa di scoprire come si evolverà la storia
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🇬🇧
This second volume or so picks up where the first chapter of the saga left off. The most original element is definitely the super original world-building, even if with the new elements it can get messy.
We follow 3 completely parallel storylines throughout the book, but destined to meet in the third volume of the saga.
Let's start with my favourites Maria and Elex, who attempt to return to each other while also trying to retake the government of the kingdom. Elex's POVs are very few but I really enjoyed them while my absolute favourite POV is Maria herself, her chapters are the ones I found most dynamic and engaging.
Ava started off very well but as the reading went on her POV became more monotonous, although it provided us with a lot of important information especially about world-building and the magic system, it was slower. In particular her relationship with Kush felt a bit stuck, going neither forward nor backward.
Sophia on the other hand won me over chapter after chapter, if at first I wasn't crazy about her, I grew fond of her story as I went on reading.
The narrative storyline are neither in the same place nor at the same time, but the time reference is (thankfully) written at the beginning of each chapter.
From the romance point of view some couples have formed in the last volume and we see them finding their balance while another one has to form (and I liked them a lot).
Personally, I don't like completely parallel storylines and I admit to waiting for the moment when these characters will cross paths.
There were parts that flowed better than others, and moments that managed to keep me attached to the pages while others felt decidedly slower.
Unfortunately I think this book suffers from second book syndrome and I simply enjoyed it less than the first volume, although I am curious to see how the story will evolve
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
March 3, 2025
Celestl is in danger and the blades are all seeking alliances through forced marriages between the four sectors. The water problems were real and the claws had no water to mention. This book is very dark and kept me riveted but reading with my heart in my mouth all the time. It is full of betrayals, cruelty and women have no say in the dealings between men, or do they? This book reads like George RR Martin’s books in the Game of Thrones series, where even the main characters are at risk of being killed off. Ava is seeking knowledge of her dead parents and trying to get a handle on her magic, whilst having to hide in her parent’s old magical house, because Var was out to get her. Meanwhile Sophie was to marry John, however she falls for his brother Hale and intends to find her happiness in a love match finally, whilst Maria who is so in love and newly married to Elex returns with him to his blade and finds that his evil brother has through a coup taken over their sector. Elex ends up living with his rebellious friends whilst Maria is being held hostage by Cane and his two wives. Secrets abound, and Nicoli is at the heart of many of these. The Gods had had their souls ripped by Ava’s mother Pollyanna, and they wanted the missing part back. The Goddess meanwhile had departed from Celestl and stayed away for three hundred years, but if her bells tolled again though many would rejoice, those offered as sacrifices would not. A woman from each sector’s bloodline had to go through the goddess’ portal. So will the bells toll ever again? And if they do who would be sacrificed? Phew, as I said this is a very riveting book and I just need to read the next book asap before my heart stops in fear for the women at risk!
March 3, 2025
Book 2 in the Cruel Goddess series did not disappoint.
I felt that book 1 was HR Moore's best one yet but book 2 was even better.
We had more insight into the characters which also brought on more questions.
If you love romance there are now 3 love stories to fall for. Maria and Elek torn apart then reunited,. Ava and Kush hide from those looking to harm her. Hale and Sophie finding there way through the lies..
When the bells finally ring and we see who answers the call, what will mean for their world and the rest of them.
I received an advanced reader copy but these thoughts are my own.
I felt that book 1 was HR Moore's best one yet but book 2 was even better.
We had more insight into the characters which also brought on more questions.
If you love romance there are now 3 love stories to fall for. Maria and Elek torn apart then reunited,. Ava and Kush hide from those looking to harm her. Hale and Sophie finding there way through the lies..
When the bells finally ring and we see who answers the call, what will mean for their world and the rest of them.
I received an advanced reader copy but these thoughts are my own.
August 2, 2025
I found listening to Billy's explanations kind of confusing, kush and Ava have less chemistry than they did in the first book. Mild spice. I did like different points of view from the different cahracters and jumping back and forth between the two stories, but where the heck is the next book? I want to know what happens. How is Ava connected to celestl? There are too many cliff hangers here!!!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews